ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same therapies that are effective for children with ADHD are also effective for adults. These treatments include medicine as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. please click the next website could also include some combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medications
These medications work by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals that help control attention and self-regulation. They include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group like the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants increase the body's energy and can result in increased mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, as well as prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants, they can cause overstimulation, which can lead to anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They can also trigger aggression and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction and reduce feelings of pleasure. Stimulants are available in pill form, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
The drugs in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the first line treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. These medicines are available in an all-day formula or a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, for example lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care provider may also suggest psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medication over time. This is challenging.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
Around 15%-30 percentage of children don't respond to stimulant medications and this is probably applicable to adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to kick in and may take several weeks before you begin to notice any effects. But, they don't come with the same risk of side effects as stimulants and can be a better option for those who are unable to tolerate the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.